Sinner dominates Monfils for Sofia title

Italy’s Jannik Sinner completed a perfect week on Sunday as he beat veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4 to win the Sofia Open for his third title of 2021 and the fourth of his young career.

The 20-year-old defended a title for the first time in his career, winning the title without dropping a set, putting him firmly in the hunt for a place in the season-ending ATP Finals, which this year will be held in Turin. He is the first Italian man to defend a title on the ATP Tour since 1976.

“It was not an easy match,” Sinner said. “The level was high today. We had long, long rallies, it was really physical as well. I’m happy to be a winner again in Sofia. I think in the crucial moments I was just more lucky than him.”

Sinner had edged out Monfils in a five-set thriller at the US Open last month and the Frenchman was in a final for the 17th year on Tour, second only to Rafael Nadal.

But Sinner was in ruthless mood, starting well, saving a couple of break points to take the first set and then, after breaking serve in the opening game of the second, saving two break points at 2-1 and then holding the advantage with ease to win his fourth career title.

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